Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reacted with disbelief to U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims that she had pleaded with him to take a photo together during the G7 summit in Evian, France, according to BBC and El Mundo. Trump reportedly said in a telephone interview with Italian channel La7 that he felt “sympathy” for Meloni and agreed to take the photo. Meloni called the remarks “invented” and “frankly astonishing,” adding that Trump does not show the same determination against enemies of the West and the United States as he does toward their allies, according to multiple sources.

Trump’s Remarks Spark Outcry in Italy

The controversy over Trump’s comments led Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to cancel a planned trip to the United States, citing the “grave and offensive words” from the U.S. president, according to El Mundo. Meloni also expressed disappointment that Trump had previously criticized Pope Leo XIV as “weak” and “bad at foreign policy,” which she found unacceptable, while Italian President Sergio Mattarella called Meloni to offer his support, and political figures across the spectrum rallied to her defense, according to BBC.

Strained Relationship Between Trump and Meloni

Meloni, elected in 2022, was the only European leader to attend Trump’s 2025 inauguration and was seen as a potential mediator between the U.S. and the EU, according to BBC and CNN. However, their relationship has soured. In April. Trump called Meloni an “excellent leader and a friend,” but later criticized her for opposing the U.S. war with Iran — Meloni also took issue with Trump’s remarks about the Pope, which she described as unacceptable. Trump, in turn, accused Meloni of abandoning the U.S. on the issue of Iran’s nuclear program, according to NTV.

Trump’s Pattern of Provocative Comments

Trump’s remarks about Meloni are part of a broader pattern of provocative statements toward foreign leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron also responded to a personal remark from Trump, calling his comments about Macron’s wife “not elegant” and “not up to par,” according to CNN. Macron had hosted Trump at a G7 dinner at Versailles, though Similar tensions have emerged in other world leaders’ relationships with Trump, with some now showing more backbone in confronting the U.S. president, according to CNN.

Meloni has sought to clarify her position, stating, “Neither I nor Italy have ever begged,” and emphasizing that Italy is a proud and independent nation, and the situation highlights the growing diplomatic friction between Trump and European leaders, particularly those from the right wing, who have historically aligned with his policies. The fallout from the G7 summit is likely to have lasting implications for U.S.-Italian relations.